Zabrina WHITMAN

Zabrina holds an honour bachelor’s degree in social sciences from the University of Ottawa in political science and Aboriginal studies, and a Master of Arts degree from Queen’s University in global development studies.

Zabrina is the Executive Advisor of L’nu Affairs and Indigenization at Acadia University and is the founder of Young Soaring Eagle Consulting. YSE works with clients across Canada in a variety of areas and sectors. Zabrina is also the vice-chair of the Indigenous Stewardship Circle, which provides ongoing advice to senior leadership at Park’s Canada in policy development and renewal specific to Indigenous stewardship across Canada. Previously, Zabrina worked as the senior policy analyst for the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs at the Kwilmu’kw Maw-klusaqn Negotiation Office. She was the lead on all identity-based issues including a process identifying who is a Mi’kmaq Rights-holder in Nova Scotia, and provided technical support for parks, intergovernmental affairs, gaming, and other negotiation and governance related issues.  Before moving back to Nova Scotia, Zabrina worked in places like Egypt and New York, and has worked for agencies like the United Nations, Foreign Affairs Canada, USAid, and Indigenous Affairs and Northern Development Canada. She has worked on topics ranging from First Nation education partnerships, to good governance, intergovernmental affairs, and international security and political stability. 

 In her personal time, Zabrina facilitates youth initiatives and activities for the Mi’kmaq in Nova Scotia and provides strategic advice to both the private and public sector, including Benjamin Bridge winery, Glooscap First Nation and the Devour! Food Film Festival.